Oliphant

late 15th–mid-17th century

Elephant ivory tusk and metal

3 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. (8.9 x 52.7 cm)

Charles B. Benenson, B.A. 1933, Collection

2006.51.192

Hunting horns have been used in Europe since medieval times. The term oliphant derives from the word elephant, denoting the material from which the horns were usually crafted. This horn carved with hunting scenes sometime in the late fifteenth to mid-seventeenth century was inspired by European woodcuts, and it originates from the coast of what was then Serra Leoa. Horns produced explicitly for the European market not only featured European imagery but also have the mouthpiece on the tip of the tusk, whereas those originally made for local use have the mouthpiece on the concave side of the horn. Export pieces also display figurative loops; a string was attached to the loops so that the horn could be worn across the chest or attached to a belt.

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.